He may have only been in North Wales for a month or so, but already Jacob Botica is learning how much reaching the Premiership means to everyone connected to RGC.

Botica, son of Wigan rugby league legend Frano, joined RGC in the summer as the North Wales side embark on their first ever season in the Welsh domestic top flight.

It has been a rapid rise for the Gogs, who are only in their fifth season of competitive rugby, but they have adapted well to the step up in quality and sit in fourth place in the Premiership with a 100% record after claiming wins at Bridgend Ravens and Neath.

RGC embark on their first home game in the Premiership this Saturday as they entertain a Llandovery side who are one place below the hosts, but are being tipped by many to be contenders this season.

And Botica is relishing the challenge at home, but admits there could be a few tears shed by some of the North Wales players who have been involved with RGC since its inception.

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“It is going to be a very big test for us, as a team and also as individuals,” said Botica.

“They’ve (Llandovery) got quite a strong pack and a big back line, some big boys in their backs, so it is going to be a tough match for us on Saturday.

“The boys stepped up a lot from the first game, it was drier conditions (at Neath) and a bit more free flowing, we got tested a bit on defence, but the boys are looking forward to Saturday and hopefully it is another dry match.

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“At Bridgend you could see in the boys' eyes that it meant a lot to them especially from where they have come from. It has taken them five years to get here, the passion in their eyes in the pre-game warm up, the emotions were there and then afterwards you could see it on their faces, the boys smiling, it was really good.”

Botica continued: “There are going to be a lot of nerves, definitely (on Saturday).

“Some of the boys have said the first home game is always the biggest emotionally for them and after seeing them in the away games I can’t wait for the emotions and feeling they bring to the home game this Saturday.

“There is going to be a few (tears) shed, a few (tears) in the eyes and if we win there is going to be a few more, especially the long serving ones that have been here for a while.”

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He added: “When I came here the lads were really welcoming, they were awesome, they helped me out a lot and filled me in with all the details of RGC and stuff.

“Slowly we are going to build to a really tight family, and it is going to show on the field when we are playing as well, something special.

“After the first two games we have got our eyes set on the top eight and then we will see after Christmas when we have reached that first milestone. Then we will look onto the second one which is hopefully making the next semis.”